With shimmed valve clearances they tend to lose clearance and if not tended to they keep the valve open slightly hence you won't hear a tappety rattle but will hear popping in the exhaust system and experience a lack of power.

i think they need adj.because the guy i bought it from said he never did it and it has 15k on it,it ticks alot as if they are on the loose side.i was just wondering if it was something i could do or not.oh well i'll make an appointment

Wondered the same thing. Did the checking and adjustin my self for Suzie SV.

Mine is 2002.
- you need to remove the tank and the aircox to get access to valve covers?
Anything else?
On Suzie you needed to get rid of the radiator as well to get access.
Any hints on checking the valves?
Mine is -02 and has done 12000km I did get a service booklet with 7500km service done, but im not confident with it.

Tank off
Airbox off
Loosen TBs
Clean the crap off the valve covers
Valve covers off - front pot valve cover bolt is a swine but patience.
Plugs out
You can use the locking tool they talk about in the mauals but I ve never done so - just dont turn the engine when you dont need to.
Allen key inthe end of the crank to measure TDC
Check clearances
If any are out then you need to remove the cams to get to the shims( under buckets)
Do one pot at a time.
When putting all back togather use grease to hold the cover gasket in place when you replace the cover - saves a lot of swearing.